Finland: Air traffic controller strike to start January 4

Event

The SLJY labor union representing air traffic controllers nationwide has threatened to launch a strike from Friday, January 4, due to an ongoing contract dispute. According to SLJY, the strike will begin at 15:00 and end at 17:00 (local time) on Friday, with additional weekly work stoppages planned from 13:00 to 15:00 every Thursday until the dispute is resolved. Flight delays and cancelations are expected nationwide, including at Helsinki Airport (HEL), on January 4 should the strike go ahead as planned.

Context

Negotiations between labor representatives and airport management entity ANS Finland ended on December 21 without a new contract agreement. Beginning in 2019, the state-owned ANS Finland group will be restructured and renamed to Traffic Management Finland.

Advice

Individuals flying to or from Finland on the abovementioned dates are advised to monitor the situation, confirm reservations, and contact their airline for additional information.